It's Mental Health Awareness Week from today. With that in mind, we've all heard the usual advice: take breaks, drink water, go for a walk. But while these things can often be just the tonic you need, they aren't always enough to shift your mindset. The reality is that you can't just switch from a bad mental state to a good one at the flick of a switch. That's because mental health isn't just about avoiding burnout; it's about building sustainable practices that support your well-being day after day. It's finding those small moments that shift your perspective. If you're unable to step out of this vicious circle, here are 11 ways to look after your mental health at work that really work. While they're all quite different, what they have in common is the idea of small shifts over time making a big difference. 1. Create a 'low brain' list of tasks As brand identity designer Abhinav Yadav notes: "Overworking yourself to the brim isn't worth the toll it takes on your head. Instead, taking a pause from time to time helps better much more in the long run. It relaxes nerves and eases the mind, which overall helps in a better creative output." This doesn't necessarily mean clocking off altogether, though. Sometimes, doing so can just feed your stress about "losing time" or "getting behind" on a project. Instead, for those days when you're burned out or anxious, keep a second to-do list of super easy tasks, such as backing up files, unsubscribing from newsletters or tidying your desk. This will keep the momentum going without overwhelming your brain or making you feel guilty about being unproductive. 2. Establish a break ritual Sometimes, of course, you need to step away from the desk and actually take a break. As creative director and designer Kelcey Hamilton shares: "A mentor once told me about the importance of the '1% of your day'; taking a small moment just for yourself, no matter how rough the day is." However, if all you do is slump in front of the TV or scroll mindlessly through Instagram, that's not always the best way to help your mind back to wellness. Instead, mark your break with something mindful: a cup of tea in your favourite mug, watering your plants, or a five-minute stretch with your eyes closed. This creates a signal to your nervous system that it's safe to rest. As Kelcey puts it: "It's about those little pick-me-ups that help you reset, whether it's stepping out for a coffee, sipping sparkling water from a cute cup, or whatever brings you a bit of joy." Editorial graphic designer Amy Wiemann, meanwhile, has found benefit in "doing something with my hands during my breaks, whether it's doing chores, or sometimes I'll work on a craft project such as crochet. This keeps the creative juices flowing but gives my eyes and brain a break." 3. Soundtrack your stress Many designers and illustrators swear by playlists to regulate their emotions; music is medicine. Some use lo-fi beats to focus; others lean into melancholy music when stressed. Personally, I find that sometimes extreme metal is what I need, and at other times, it's chilled classical versions of Taylor Swift songs. The important thing is to try different things and learn what works with different moods. Put a bit of thought and effort into your playlists, and they can be surprisingly effective ways to let emotions move through. 4. Curate your digital environment We all like to make our desks and home offices visually inspiring, but what about your digital world? We spend so long in front of our screens that we deserve some eye candy there, too. So add beautiful wallpapers, tidy your desktop, unfollow accounts that stress you out, and close down all but the most essential app notifications. And remember that creative brains thrive in visually soothing spaces—even virtual ones. 5. Have a "soft landing" routine Instead of working until you crash, create a 10-minute wind-down ritual for the end of the day. Tidy your workspace, write tomorrow's to-dos, or switch on a lamp to signal the workday's over. This really helps your brain to switch off properly. 6. Upgrade your chair (or your shoes) Mental health isn't just about mindset—it's physical, too. Bad posture, sore feet or uncomfortable furniture can add hugely to daily stress. So invest in comfort where you spend the most time, whether that's buying an ergonomic chair, specially made shoes or a therapeutic mattress. Your nervous system will thank you. 7. Start a check-in culture If you manage a team, begin meetings with a quick "How's your week going?" If you're a freelancer, do this with friends, clients, and collaborators. It creates space for honesty. That's because, as graphic designer and illustrator Nvard Yerkanian emphasises, the importance of community can't be understated when it comes to mental health. "What's helped me most is staying connected," she explains. "For instance, engaging with communities like The Studio, where I can openly share experiences with people who truly understand the creative highs and lows." This sentiment is echoed by Katie, who notes that "getting together with my workmates outside of the office has really nourished those working relationships, and that makes me feel more supported in work". 8. Reframe "unproductive" days as processing time Find it difficult to switch off from work? That's not uncommon, but you really need to get better at it because your brain needs downtime to work through big ideas or emotions. Most importantly, recognise you're not being 'unproductive', you're processing. As Amy puts it: "Getting outside and being active throughout the day, whether it's going for a walk to the mailbox or just unloading the dishwasher, helps me not become a pumpkin in front of my computer all day long." 9. Have something to look forward to Are your days a slog? Then why not plan something for 3 p.m.? It could be a podcast walk, a fancy snack, or a catch-up with a friend. Either way, knowing there's a small joy coming makes tough afternoons easier. Sometimes, a bright spot can be all you need to get through a challenging day. 10. Nap. Seriously. It's not indulgent—it's neuroscience. A 10–20 minute nap resets your system, helps you regulate emotions, and boosts creativity. So, if you're freelance, reclaim the power nap. If you work in an office, champion quiet rest spaces. 11. Get out in nature every weekend We're always banging on about getting outside to boost mental well-being, and now there's proof to show it actually works. Relatively new research published in Nature found that two hours of nature a week significantly boosts health and well-being. In which case, make the most of evenings and weekends during the lighter, warmer months. Try a hike somewhere beautiful. Even better, go walking with friends. Heck, go camping in the hills! Seeing all that greenery, hearing the birdsong, and being far away from screens is so good for the soul. Finding what works for you In short, mental health at work isn't just about avoiding burnout—it's about building little systems that support you every day. These aren't one-size-fits-all solutions; they're starting points for discovering what works for your unique brain and working style. Illustrator Stefan Smit has found his rhythm with "a walk in the morning to boost up my productivity and creativity, and during the day some music and tiny breaks". Katelyn, meanwhile, relies on "forcing myself to stop staring at my screen and pick up a book before bed, podcasts, calm or hype playlists—mood dependent—and chocolate chip cookies with flaked sea salt." The key is experimentation and permission to prioritise your well-being. Whether it's through community, rituals, movement, or rest, supporting your mental health at work is about creating small moments that remind you that you're human—not just a productivity machine. Meanwhile, if you've discovered a tip that's helped you feel more human and less overwhelmed, share it with others. We're all figuring this out together, one workday at a time.